BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The city council is pushing for the implementation of a 10-day gun ban or cancellation of permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTC-FOR) during the celebration of the Dinagyang Festival in January next year.
The gun ban is enforced every Dinagyang as part of the festival’s security measures.
The city council will pass a resolution to the office of Police Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the chief of the Philippine National Police.
Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), had earlier said the gun ban would be implemented beginning 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 19 until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 29.
The two-week celebration of next year’s Dinagyang Festival will be from Jan. 12 to 28, 2024.
Anchored on the theme, “Pagdayaw kay Señor Sto. Niño, Padayaw sang mga Ilonggo”, the world-class festival will have its opening salvo on Jan. 12.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. said eight tribes will vie for the Dinagyang tribes competition crown – the highlights of the festival on Jan. 28 – while seven tribes will compete in the Dinagyang ILOmination on Jan. 26.
Another major event, “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan,” is set for Jan. 27./PN
